Best in the West prizes awarded
Best in the West
Julie McWilliams presents her Let’s Get Growing business.
Prizes in the Best in the West Small Business Competition were announced Sept. 5 after each competitor made their 20-minute presentation to the selection committee.
The awards in this year’s competition were:
• Joan Dewey, Bethel Canine Boarding, $5,000
• Patty Burley, Raven Fabrics and More, $4,500
• Sean Denning, Barnes, D.B. Studios, $4,000
• Katie Ellsworth, Cosy Cuddlers, $3,500
• Moses Tulim, Mo’s Arts, $3,470
• Tina Harness, Urban Astaq, $2,900
• Marie Alfred, Marie’s, $2,030
• Julie McWilliams, Let’s Get Growing, $2,025
The Best in the West Small Business Competition is modeled after the Alaska Federation of Natives Alaska Marketplace competition.
This year 13 applications were submitted for the first phase and 10 moved on to the final presentation before a selection committee.
Best in the West
Best in the West winner Joan Dewey displays materials for her Bethel Canine Boarding.
In the four year there have been 48 submissions in the competion and 19 winners. Since 2009 $42,205 has been awarded to Yukon-Kuskokwim area businesses owners. Of the past 11 Best in the West winners, eight are still in operation and three previous applicants went on to win AFN Alaska Marketplace awards.
Six organizations have joined with KuC/YPCC to support the competition with cash prizes, Bethel Community Services Foundation, Bethel Native Council, Association of Village Council Presidents, Orutsararmuit Native Council, Calsita Corporation and Donlin Gold Ltd.
This year’s selection committee was Mary Pete of KuC, Mary Sattler of Donlin, Daisy Mae Berrara of Calista, Nick Pollock of BNC and Sbin Laurent-Hassan of AVCP
To join the Best in the West partnership or for information contact Reyne Athanas YPCC coordinator at 907-543-4538 or rmathanas@alaska.edu.